Right 2 things to say to him
firstly you will tidy the flat to what you believe is a decent standard as quickly as possible.
Secondly say as you have threatened court action you believe that it best be dealt with through the deposit protection schemes complaint procedure. Find out which scheme he's put your deposit in.
If he hasn't protected it say that any court action will be instantly counter claimed for the statutary penalty of 3x the depost plus costs under the 2004 housing act. Failure to return the deposit will also meet with court action.
(PsychoChomp, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:12, 2 replies, latest was 15 years ago)

And put everything in writing and keep copies.

( girlinthehole, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:15, Reply)

OK, the tidying is going to happen tonight, and tomorrow morning. Then I can get a proper look at the paint, and see what the issues are
Currently, I'm shaking like a shitting dog, so while I know I need to speak to him, I think I'd explode if I did.
( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:16, Reply)

I'll call him what;s the number

( TGB checking Off Topic is still shit at, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:21, Reply)

Blousie's right: he's trying it on. A lot of smaller agents/landlords do this in the hope that the tenant will just acquiesce and let them keep the whole deposit.
Everything Chompy says makes a lot of sense and could prove very useful to you when you write your response. And I do mean write. Get everything in writing (ideally a letter but email usually works) and make sure you keep a copy.

For guidelines on writing stinking formal letters, see the letter about halfway down the 'best of' on my profile. Apart from altering the names and numbers for anonymity's sake, it's a genuine article.
(LongJohnBaldry, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:21, Reply)

Just be calm and confidant and don't let him scare you.

( girlinthehole, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:21, Reply)

Ring the deposit protection schemes and see if you're covered.
If not don't even bother to clean up.
(PsychoChomp, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:28, Reply)

DPS 0844 4727 000
My deposits: 0844 980 0290
and there's one more, I'll try to find it.
(PsychoChomp, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:32, Reply)

Just spoke to the letting agency, it is protected under the DPS

( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:35, Reply)

Ah cool, that's probably the best one
have you got the deposit ID if so log in here and have a look at your account https://www.depositprotection.com/login.aspx
(PsychoChomp, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:38, Reply)

Not on me, but I know where it is at home, I'll check that when I get in
Cheers, I appreciate the help.
( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:47, Reply)

the TDS is there to stop tenants being ripped off
he will have to justify deductions.

he could issue court proceedings for the balance, i used to get tenants bringing claims for stupid amounts like £60 of carpet cleaning "because of the principle". but: (i) he will only do this if he is unreasonable and moronic; and (ii) it would be nothing to panic about, so don't be scared of the threat. unless you've trashed the place and set fire to it, clearly.
( rachelswipe with a fork, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:50, Reply)

Best advice is to basically chill out.
The law takes ages and you've got plenty of rights, the courts aren't impressed with shouty landlords just the facts.
(PsychoChomp, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:51, Reply)

the other one is TDS
you can check if you're protected online.
www.thedisputeservice.co.uk/
(PsychoChomp, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:35, Reply)

YOU'RE fucking 'TDS'

( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:38, Reply)

ONE TIME I TRY TO BE HELPFUL AND YOU RUIN IT

(PsychoChomp, Fri 15 Oct 2010, 14:39, Reply)